CRF-1 Depression Anxiety Discovery

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Clik here to view.Scientists have discovered how the protein CRF-1 triggers depression anxiety in the brain.

Researchers from Heptares Therapeutics in the U.K., using one of the world’s most powerful x-ray machines (Diamond Light Source), studied the pituitary gland and discovered how the protein CRF-1, may be responsible for triggering depression anxiety. Report.

Chief Scientific Officer Fiona Marshall was quoted as saying,

Stress related diseases such as depression and anxiety affect a quarter of adults each year, but what many people don’t realize is that these conditions are affected by proteins in the brain, one of which is CRF-1.

CRF-1 or corticotropin-releasing factor 1 is a peptide hormone located in the pituitary gland, whose main function is involved in stress response, and is part of the HPA Axis (Hypothalmus, Pituitary, Adrenal).

What is the HPA Axis?

The following explanation of the HPA Axis is from montana.edu “The hypothalamus is the control center for most of body’s hormonal systems. Cells in hypothalamus produce hormone corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in humans in response to most any type of stress physical or psychological.

The hypothalamus secretes CRF, which in turn binds to specific receptors on pituitary cells, which produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ACTH is then transported to its target the adrenal gland stimulates the production of adrenal hormones.

Learn More:  How Hormone Therapy Causes Depression Anxiety

The adrenal glands that are located on top of the kidneys then increase the secretion of cortisol.The release of cortisol initiates a series of metabolic effects aimed at alleviating the harmful effects of stress through negative feedback to both the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary, which decreases the concentration of ATH and cortisol in the blood once the state of stress subsides.”

In essence, when you encounter stress, the hypothalmus releases hormones to the pituitary gland, which are picked-up by CRF-1, which sends another hormone ACTH to the adrenal gland which releases anti-inflammatory cortisol and releases adrenaline type hormones.

Learn More:  How Stress Causes Depression Anxiety

Once the stressful episode is over, the body then removes anti-inflammatory cortisol, resulting in inflammation in the body and brain, which causes damage to the HPA Axis.

The body gets trapped in a stress -> adrenaline -> inflammation cycle.

When the HPA Axis is not in homeostasis or balance, when too much CRF-1 is produced in response to stress, and too much adrenaline is produced, even small amounts of normal stress can produce extreme anxiety.  Which is why anxiety attacks are adrenaline attacks.  Too much adrenaline in the blood is occurring.

Scientists have known for a while that problems with the HPA Axis cause depression anxiety. What researchers are trying to do is create an anti-anxiety drug to stop the production of CRF-1 using the same principle of anti-histamines to stop allergies.

Anti-histamines in allergy medication block the production of histamines which cause allergy symptoms.  In some cases allergy medication has been shown to help depression anxiety.

Learn More:  Allergies and Depression Anxiety

However, just like with allergies, which can be helped by changes to the diet, so too can the HPA Axis and the overproduction of CRF-1 be helped by changes to the diet, exercise, and supplements.

An anti-inflammatory diet, high in Omega 3 protein fish, beef, and eggs, and low in inflammatory sugar, carbohydrates, preservatives, and uncooked vegetables, can reduce inflammation in the gut, boost immunity, and help the HPA Axis.

Learn More:
How Gluten Causes Depression Anxiety
How Sugar Causes Depression Anxiety
How GMO Food Causes Depression Anxiety

Vitamin C supplements can also help the adrenal glands cope.  And, exercise helps to burn off increased adrenaline production.

Learn More: Best Supplements for Depression Anxiety

What this new research is showing is that, although depression anxiety can be caused by psychological stress and trauma as well as physical factors such as diet, antibiotics, pollution and more, the mechanism of depression anxiety is bio-physical in nature.

To learn more about our natural depression anxiety alternative recovery plan, visit our Get Started page for info and links to our diet, exercise, and stress management resources.

More Information:
Depression Anxiety Diet
Depression Anxiety Recipes
Depression Anxiety Exercises
Depression Anxiety Supplements

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